California Motorcycle Ride - Little Dragon - Hwy 49 (Coulterville, CA)
Last month, Bob and I rode the Little Dragon, California's version of Tennesee's and North Carolina's famous Tail of the Dragon. The Tail of the Dragon is a popular destination for motorcycle riders and sports car enthusiasts worldwide and it consists of an 11-mile stretch of highway with a total of 318 turns. The Little Dragon is actually 5 miles longer than the Tail of the Dragon, but with only approximately 45 turns. Here is a photo of the Little Dragon that I took from the southernmost vantage point, Fremont's Fort:
FREMONT'S FORT
General John C. Fremont, 1813-1890, a noted military man, explorer, topographer, senator & businessman, Fremont was also a miner. He settled in Mariposa County living just outside Bear Valley.
He operated the Josephine, Pine Tree & Princeton mines and other claims. In 1858, he returned from his travels to operate his mines and found many had been "jumped". In taking them back, a feud developed with several groups, one being the "Hornitas League" which tried to seize one of his mines. After that incident, a fort was built to defend the "only" access to the mines. Afterward, his battles were in the courtroom.
Dedicated by
Matuca Chapter 1849
E Clampus Vitus
May 29, 1994 (5999)
Credo Quia Absurdum
If you're in Coulterville, CA and need to fuel up, the nearest gas station is 6 miles up the road in Greeley Hill. Main Street will take you up there and the Greeley Hill Market and Shell gas station will be on your right side. On a side note, if you're in Coulterville I highly recommend you stop at the Magnolia Saloon at Hotel Jeffery for a delicious meal...or at least a refreshing beverage!
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